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As the executive vice president of Human Resources at Metaldyne, Kim Kovac has played an integral role in the company’s expansion as a global tier-one automotive supplier, with a major presence in the emerging markets of China, Japan and Korea.
Kovac sets global human resources strategy and policy in the areas of compensation and benefits, leadership development and organizational design, recruiting, retention, HRIS and labor relations. She serves as a business partner, providing leadership and support to the executive team. Kovac is also responsible for Metaldyne University, a training forum that allows Metaldyne to share best practices across its global operations. In addition, she oversees Metaldyne’s Environmental, Health and Safety functions.
Under Kovac’s leadership, Metaldyne University and Corporate Human Resources work together to provide employees with the best training and resources available to create of center of expertise in order to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Just recently, Kovac was selected as a winner in the Crain’s Detroit Business Health Care Heroes contest. The corporate achievement award in health care honored Kovac for successfully implementing an innovative health benefits practice that acknowledged a problem in health care. Kovac and Metaldyne were recognized for its unique and creative wellness program.
Kovac joined Metaldyne in 2001 as a compensation and benefits consultant. She also served as a corporate benefits manager and director of compensation and benefits prior to being appointed to her previous position of vice president of Human Resources. Kovac played a key role in developing the innovative labor agreement with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) that was part of the Metaldyne’s acquisition of the Chrysler’s Group’s New Castle, IN facility in 2004. She works closely with the UAW and the company’s other union partners to build strong and collaborative relationships with Metaldyne’s employees around the world.
Before joining Metaldyne, Kovac worked as a corporate human resources director in the automotive industry. Her prior professional experience includes 14 years with Comerica Bank, where she served in a variety of human resources positions, including vice president of employee benefits.
Kovac holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s of Business Administration degree, both from Lawrence Technological University. She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Managers, Human Resources of Greater Detroit, OESA Human Resources Council, Manufacturers Alliance Human Resources Council and Philanthropy Council of Henry Ford Health Systems. Kovac is also a board member on Henry Ford Hospital Wyandotte’s Board of Trustees.
She works out of Metaldyne’s corporate headquarters in Plymouth, MI. | 